Maine Polar Express Train Rides: A Complete Guide
Last revised: February 4, 2025
By: Adam Burns
Officially licensed "The Polar Express" train rides are fewer in number than general Christmas-themed events hosted by many heritage railroads and museums around the country. In Maine, one organization does offer this unique experience, the Maine Narrow-Gauge Railroad in Portland! More information about it may be found further below.
Other Family Activities
Maine is a winter wonderland, with plenty of fun activities for the entire family to enjoy during the holiday season. From tree lightings to snowshoeing, here are some popular Christmas activities that you can partake in with your family in Maine.
Christmas Prelude
(Kennebunkport): The Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport is a multi-day event that is a must-see for anyone visiting Maine during the holiday season. The event includes tree lightings, a candlelight procession, and a visit from Santa Claus. There are also craft fairs, hayrides, and plenty of delicious food to enjoy.
Gardens Aglow
(Boothbay): Gardens Aglow is an annual event held at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay. The event features over 650,000 lights, transforming the gardens into a magical wonderland. There are also live performances, food trucks, and plenty of hot cocoa to keep you warm.
Ice Skating
(Portland): During the holiday season, the Maine Mariners ice skating rink in Portland transforms into a winter wonderland. The rink is open to the public and offers skate rentals for those who don't have their own. Afterward, you can warm up with some hot cocoa and enjoy the holiday lights in downtown Portland.
Christmas in the Country
(Oxford): Christmas in the Country is an annual event held at the Oxford County Fairgrounds. The event includes a tree lighting, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a visit from Santa Claus. There are also craft fairs, food vendors, and plenty of holiday-themed activities for the entire family to enjoy.
Snowshoeing At Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is a popular destination during the summer months, but during the winter season, the park transforms into a winter wonderland. Snowshoeing is a popular activity in the park, with plenty of trails to choose from. You can also enjoy the holiday lights in nearby Bar Harbor.
In conclusion, Maine offers plenty of fun and festive Christmas activities for the entire family to enjoy. From tree lightings to snowshoeing, there's something for everyone during the holiday season. So, gather your loved ones and make some new holiday memories together in Maine.
Festival of Lights
(Bangor): The Festival of Lights in Bangor is a month-long event that includes tree lightings, parades, and plenty of festive holiday activities. The event culminates in a fireworks display on New Year's Eve.
Christmas By The Sea
(Rockland): Christmas By The Sea is an annual event held in Rockland that features a tree lighting ceremony, live music, and a visit from Santa Claus. There are also horse-drawn carriage rides, craft fairs, and plenty of delicious holiday treats.
Christmas Craft Fairs
Maine is home to many talented artisans, and during the holiday season, there are numerous craft fairs held throughout the state. These fairs offer the chance to find unique, handmade gifts for your loved ones while supporting local artists.
Toboggan Championships
(Camden): The National Toboggan Championships are held each February in Camden, but the practice runs and qualifying races take place during the holiday season. This is a fun activity to watch with your family and offers the chance to see some impressive toboggan runs.
2025 Dates Will Be Included As They Become Available!
Overview
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad
(Portland): The Maine Narrow-Gauge Railroad & Museum operates a two-foot narrow-gauge railroad using restored steam locomotives. It is the only "Two Footer" currently offering official The Polar Express events.
The two-foot gauge was all but exclusive to the state of Maine; nowhere else could one find such a wide array of tiny railroads that weren't much larger than those found at a zoo.
Loggers and timber operations came to love them. They were cheap, effective, and required minimum construction; three attributes perfect in an industry constantly on the move.
There were a total of eleven Maine two-footers in operation at some point including:
- Bridgton & Saco River Railroad
- Kennebec Central Railroad
- Monson Railroad
- Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes Railroad
- Sandy River Railroad
- Franklin & Megantic Railroad
- Kingfield & Dead River Railroad
- Phillips & Rangeley Railroad
- Madrid Railroad
- Eustis Railroad
- Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railroad (partially rebuilt by the museum of the same name)
Through their hard work, the history of this unique aspect of railroading has been well document and preserved.
In addition to its numerous pieces of static equipment, the museum operates a number of special events and trains throughout the year including The Polar Express on select dates in late November through Christmas.
The Polar Express Dates:
Recent Articles
-
North Carolina ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Ride
Jan 06, 26 11:26 AM
While there are currently no murder mystery dinner trains in the Tarheel State the Burgaw Depot does host a murder mystery dinner experience in September! -
Florida's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 06, 26 11:23 AM
Florida, known for its vibrant culture, dazzling beaches, and thrilling theme parks, also offers a unique blend of mystery and fine dining aboard its murder mystery dinner trains. -
New Mexico's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 06, 26 11:19 AM
For oenophiles and adventure seekers alike, wine tasting train rides in New Mexico provide a unique opportunity to explore the region's vineyards in comfort and style. -
Ohio's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 06, 26 11:14 AM
Among the intriguing ways to experience Ohio's splendor is aboard the wine tasting trains that journey through some of Ohio's most picturesque vineyards and wineries. -
Connecticut's Thomas The Train Rides
Jan 06, 26 11:06 AM
For 2026, the tour stop at Essex brings Thomas (and Percy, too) to the historic Valley Railroad for a full day of events for the kids. -
Maryland's Thomas The Train Rides
Jan 06, 26 11:00 AM
In 2026, the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore welcomes the Let’s Rock, Let’s Roll Tour with four event days that combine a Thomas-themed excursion with other activities. -
Tennessee's Thomas The Train Rides
Jan 06, 26 10:51 AM
Set on the grounds of one of the Southeast’s best-known operating railroad museums, the Thomas the train event blends kid-friendly fun with the unmistakable sights, sounds, and atmosphere of a real wo… -
Georgia's Thomas The Train Rides
Jan 06, 26 10:44 AM
Day Out With Thomas is set to roll back into Cordele in 2026, bringing Thomas the Tank Engine and a full family festival to the SAM Shortline at Georgia Veterans Memorial State Park. -
Staten Island Rapid Transit
Jan 06, 26 10:02 AM
The Staten Island Rapid Transit has long served Staten Island since the 19th century and today is known as the Staten Island Railway. -
New York Dinner Train Rides In The Adirondacks!
Jan 05, 26 09:45 PM
Operating over a restored segment of the former New York Central’s Adirondack Division, the Adirondack Railroad has steadily rebuilt both track and public interest in passenger rail across the region. -
Ohio Dinner Train Rides On The CVSR!
Jan 05, 26 08:32 PM
While the railroad is well known for daytime sightseeing and seasonal events, one of its most memorable offerings is its evening dining program—an experience that blends vintage passenger-car ambience… -
Pennsylvania's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 05, 26 01:08 PM
Wine tasting trains are a unique and enchanting way to explore the state’s burgeoning wine scene while enjoying a leisurely ride through picturesque landscapes. -
West Virginia - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 05, 26 01:02 PM
West Virginia, often celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and rich history, offers visitors a unique way to explore its rolling hills and picturesque vineyards: wine tasting trains. -
Virginia - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 05, 26 12:58 PM
Wine tasting trains in Virginia provide just that—a unique experience that marries the romance of rail travel with the sensory delights of wine exploration. -
Utah - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 05, 26 12:37 PM
Utah, a state widely celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty and dramatic landscapes, is also gaining recognition for an unexpected yet delightful experience: wine tasting trains. -
Kentucky Valentine's Train Rides
Jan 05, 26 12:31 PM
If you’re looking for a date night that feels a little more cinematic than the usual reservation-and-a-movie routine, Bardstown’s My Old Kentucky Dinner Train delivers the kind of evening you remember… -
Pennsylvania Valentine's Train Rides
Jan 05, 26 12:12 PM
Tucked amid the rolling farmland of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the Strasburg Rail Road stands as one of the most celebrated and successful heritage railroads in North America. -
New York's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 05, 26 11:01 AM
New York State, renowned for its vibrant cities and verdant countryside, offers a plethora of activities for locals and tourists alike, including murder mystery train rides! -
Pennsylvania's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 05, 26 10:37 AM
Pennsylvania, steeped in history and industrial heritage, offers a prime setting for a unique blend of dining and drama: the murder mystery dinner train ride. -
Missouri Dinner Train Rides In Branson!
Jan 05, 26 10:00 AM
Nestled in the heart of the Ozarks, the Branson Scenic Railway offers one of the most distinctive rail experiences in the Midwest—pairing classic passenger railroading with sweeping mountain scenery a…
